Yesterday was cross-country at Wits End Horse Trials in Ontario, Canada. [Results] Bruce Lamb was having a nice round with his horse Gamble, when he mistakenly thought he missed jump 6. At least he had his course map handy! NOTE: some foul language involved, you may want to turn your speakers down.
Bruce explains:
WARNING: Lots of swearing on this one. Gamble was great — but I can’t count. I got over fence #6 and then started looking for fence #6. I could see fence #7, but I needed to find fence #6. Eventually, I pulled out my map and realized that I had already done fence 6 and I screamed off to the Beaver (fence #7). But Gamble did everything I asked of him. Fence #5 (“Into Space”), Fence #9b (4’6″ brush drop), Fence 19 – drop into water) — all no problems. He was a star — it was just pilot error that as the problem. My mental error cost me 70 seconds. If I hadn’t screwed up, I would have had zero time penalties instead of 26.8 (0.4 seconds per second over optimal time) and would have been 2nd place instead of 10th. I didn’t follow the procedure I normally did in memorizing the route and it cost me! We’ll chalk this one up to experience — and I will ensure that I have two ways of remembering the course just in case I mess up on the first one.
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Horse Nation shared a video over the weekend that was took good not to repost here. These gentle giants raced across two furlongs Saturday at Lingfield Park Racecourse in Surrey, England to raise awareness for the breed. What’s not to love about fast-flying feathers?!
Kate Miller and Sherry Stewart have done a fantastic job sending us blogs and photos to commemorate Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight’s first competition across the pond. Jolie and Ari completed the grueling Luhmühlen CCI4* — an accomplishment in and of itself — and we’re excited to see what this pair accomplishes in the future. Also, a huge congrats is in order for Kate for winning Best Turned Out with Ari. [Kate’s 1st blog] [Kate’s 2nd blog] [Kate’s 3rd blog]
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Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight in the Luhmühlen CCI4* show jumping. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
From Kate:
The jog took place at the civilized hour of 9:30, and I have to say it has been wonderful being so far north. The sun rises at 4:15 or so, making it easy to get up early and get everything done that needs to be done. Ari slept well and looked amazing this morning. A minimum of fussing, and he was good to go! Kelley and Jackie saved me (again!) by giving Ari the best quarter marks out there. Demi as well looked great, and both horses passed the jog easily.
We had a chance to have a bit of a nap and watch the CIC*** show jump before the four star started at 1:45. When I brought Ari to show jumping for Jolie, I was surprised by the head steward, who informed me that Ari and I were wanted in the award ceremony, and to please stick around after show jumping. Ari warmed up well and jumped his best, but had two rails down and a bit of time. We still had to wait for the award ceremony, as the judges had unanimously agreed Ari looked fabulous and awarded us with the “prettiest pony” award! We received a nice cooler and the ultimate groom survival kit: prosecco, granola bars, Pringles and fruit!
We had an amazing time getting to know everyone, and look forward to meeting them at other events in the future! Thank you so much for all the support and well wishes and to Jolie’s sponsors: Antares, FLAIR Nasal Strips, Western Saddlery and, of course, thank you to the Broussards for being such wonderful supporters of our sport. This first taste of competition at this level has made us hungry for more, and we are eager to sort out our fall plans! With luck and a lot of hard work, you’ll hear from us again!
Andrew Nicholson and Mr. Cruise Control won the Luhmuhlen CCI 4*. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Good morning, EN! Another 4* has come and gone, this one on European soil; Luhmuhlen proved to be a difficult run for many of the riders that contested it. Only two US pairs finished the weekend, after cross-country claimed many victims, including two US riders.
Andrew Nicholson continued his 4 * domination by winning at Luhmuhlen this weekend with Mr Cruise Control. Nicholson was third after dressage, and a double clear on cross-country and stadium helped him move into first after others had problems. Zara Phillips and High Kingdom were nipping at their heels all weekend; they held on to finish second. [Andrew Nicholson wins Luhmuhlen]
Marilyn Little and RF Demeter were the best placed American pair; they finished with one rail down in stadium to place seventh. Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight were the other Americans to finish; they completed in 32nd place. Jennie Brannigan and Camabalda fell at the first water complex, and Jules Stiller retired at the seventh fence with Enjoy Me. [Luhmuhlen Results]
Animal Kingdom will be the first Kentucky Derby winner since Omaha in 1935 to travel across the pond to compete at Royal Ascot. The frequent flyer will end his career in the Queen Anne’s Stakes, set to run tomorrow. Graham Motion has trained for the race, which is run on grass, and uphill, by taking the Dubai World Cup winner on hacks, and running up hills with his partner, Perpetually. Animal Kingdom will go into the race the odds on favorite, despite never having run under similar conditions. As a huge Animal Kingdom, and Graham Motion fan, I’m pulling for them to emulate Frankel’s amazing performance last year. [New York Times]
Paynter won his comeback race, an allowance at Hollywood Park, yesterday. The Belmont runner up, and Haskell winner overcame severe laminitis and colitis, which threatened his life at one point, won his first race in a year by four and half lengths. [Racing Post]
We posted our annual Father’s Day tribute earlier today with feel-good Dad stories from Buck Davidson, Lynn Symansky, Elisa Wallace and Mackenna Shea, plus the cutest video ever of Kyle Carter’s daughters wishing him a Happy Father’s Day. Click here to read the Father’s Day goodness. Members of the eventing community have been taking to Facebook today to send Father’s Day wishes to the masses. Enjoy this quick social media roundup and have a Happy Father’s Day!
This has to be one of the coolest helmet cams we’ve posted in awhile. First, you get to watch Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS deliver a double clear trip around the Luhmühlen CIC3* cross country course. Second, you get to see how a lot of the fences that caused trouble for the CCI4* rode from the rider’s point of view. It’s especially interesting to watch Ingrid navigate the first water complex at 4abc where so many riders fell or retired yesterday. Third, you get to hear how Ingrid talks to the mare throughout the course. I love how she rolls her tongue before the fences to get the mare’s attention back on the task at hand. If we have any EN fans who also know German, I’d love to know what Ingrid is saying to praise the mare. I think it might be “super horse” and “super mare”? Go Ingrid.
Update: EN reader Maggie Miller answered my call for German translation help! From Maggie:
“Fein” (fine)
“Super”
“Spitze” (excellent/top class/amazing)
Then after the water complex and the hedge right after, she says, “Läuf jetzt!” (run now)
After the finish line, she says “geil” (cool/awesome) and as the reader wrote in the comments “super maus” (super mouse — mouse is a common term of endearment … people often call their kids that)
The rolling of the tongue is actually the German version of “whoa” and is a great cue because it is so distinctive and different from other sounds.
It’s Father’s Day on Eventing Nation! As part of our tradition of showing lots of love to eventing parents, we’re celebrating the contribution of Dads to our great sport. Eventing Dads participate in many different ways, from the super involved Dads to the ‘I’d rather be golfing’ Dads, but they all undergo an incredible amount of stress and play an integral role in their families’ eventing experience. Enjoy these stories of how Eventing Dads have impacted riders at the top of the sport. [Father’s Day 2010] [Father’s Day 2011] [Father’s Day 2012]
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Bruce and Buck Davidson with Buck's Land Rover. Photo courtesy of Land Rover.
From Buck Davidson: I’m thankful for everything my Dad taught me and everything he’s done for me. He’s been the best Dad I could ask for. It hasn’t always been easy, but he’s been amazing to me and taught me some tough lessons. There aren’t a lot of warm and fuzzy moments with my Dad, but there are a lot of great memories.
A moment that sticks out to me with my Dad is at Kentucky this year when I won the Land Rover. We had to take pictures with the Land Rover, and my Dad was going through the car looking in the front seat and back seat seeing how it would work for him to drive it. As he was sitting in the back seat, he asked, “This is your car? You won this at Kentucky?”
We were standing right by his statue at the Kentucky Horse Park, which made it so funny when he said, “Man, I need to get back into this sport!” He’s done so much more than me in this sport, but he never won a car at Kentucky. It shows how far the sport has come, and that’s a moment I’ll never forget.
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Steve Symansky cheering for Lynn at Rolex.
From Lynn Symansky: Steve Symansky is hard to miss. He can usually be found at an Area II event riding his bicycle around in a pair of shorts even when it’s below 30. He’s also the one with the reeeeally loud voice. And if you can’t find him, just shoot him an email — he usually responds in less than a minute no matter what time of day.
My dad is amazing and has found ways to be involved in my riding career my entire life. When I was 3, we rode double on trail rides in the Shenandoah Mountains. When I was 5, he rode with me in a 15-mile endurance ride (even though he got eliminated for draping his reins over his own neck at a vet stop). He was DC of my Pony Club and secretary and organizer of Difficult Run Horse Trials for many years. When I was old enough, he taught me how to drive the rig for the first time on the most winding, narrow road in the suburbs of Vienna, Va. He figured if I could drive there, I could handle anything. We foxhunted together, did low-level events and schooling shows together, and trail rode on the weekends all the way up through high school.
Once I started competing at the upper levels, he had a hard time staying involved as a parent/spectator. At my first two-star, he came to the barns after walking the course right before I went cross country crying, worried for my safety. At my first Rolex, he refused to come watch, as he was too nervous and watched me from the live feed at home. Instead of coming to watch at my big events, he prefers to show his support by staying busy behind the scenes. He helps out quite a few organizers and secretaries at Area II events, runs scoring for the weekend, and he’s the chairman for Area II. This is all a hobby for him, and he does it merely because he loves to help people and be involved in a sport I love so much. I don’t tell him enough how much I appreciate everything he does, but it means more to me than he will likely ever know.
I competed at my third Rolex this year, and yet again he wanted to stay home. I was adamant that he attend this time! Someone asked me what my favorite parts of the weekend were and the first thing that came to mind was when I heard him cheering throughout my cross country ride. I was able to hear him all the way around the course over everyone else with his distinct Symansky cheer. That moment will stick with me forever. Thank you to all the amazing fathers out there who do so much to continue to show their love and support. I think I have a pretty great one.
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Elise and Rick Wallace
From Elisa Wallace: Through the years, the relationship with my Father, Rick Wallace, has grown and developed into something very unique and special, especially our bond and passion for horses and Eventing. It is a relationship that I am very lucky to have and will always cherish.
To me, my Father is a best friend. We talk to each other almost every day and have the freedom to talk about anything. I love when we get to spend time together, and can just hang out as friends — albeit it mostly occurs at horse shows.
To me, my Father is a great coach. He has always pushed me and given me confidence. Whether it was doing trots sets at the age of 2, or riding “hot” Thoroughbreds at the age of 10, or when he would put of a 5-foot vertical and say, “You can do it. You’re fine.” He always had faith I could do anything.
To me, my Father is an inspiration. He is always a go-getter, always positive, and always smiles or makes a joke. I am so proud of him achieving his dreams … and hope we will someday compete at Rolex together!
To me, my Father is my hero … Love you, Dad. Happy Father’s Day
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Dan Shea, Mackenna Shea, Zac Brandt and Stephen Boyer at Jersey Fresh.
From Mackenna Shea: My Dad, Dan Shea, is not only a supporter and a provider for me in this sport, but he is my number one fan. He is always there for me, through the highs and the lows. He is always proud of me, no matter what, and never lets me forget it. He has dedicated so much of his time learning about the sport because I love it. He knows more than I could ever ask him to know, and all because he went out and learned it for himself. I can always find him watching the other rides at the event (even the dressage) or playing with my dog (the one he didn’t want me to adopt).
My Dad and I recently drove out to New Jersey from California for the Jersey Fresh CCI3*. He helped me drive, helped me load and unload at our stops every night, put up with all of our travel mishaps, let my dog sleep on his lap, and still arrived with a smile and ready to help. He held groom bags, walked in the rain to fetch things from the trailer, and drove miles and miles to find Starbucks in the morning. He was there to give me a pat on the back after I won the dressage; a smile and a nod towards the vet box after completing cross country; and a huge hug, wisdom, and support after I was spun from jogs.
I appreciate him more than he will ever know, and strive to be more like him every day. I hope to give my family the incredible life he has given to me. Thank you, Dad, for all that you do! Landioso, Forrest and I love you so much and wish you the happiest Father’s Day ever!
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Happy Father’s Day, Kyle Carter! Just as Eventing Dads work very hard to support their kids in the sport, professional riders who are also Dads strive to find a work-family balance. When I asked Jen Carter to send in a surprise video of her daughters Riley and Trista wishing Kyle Carter a Happy Father’s Day, I didn’t know I was going to receive the cutest video EVER in return. Happy Father’s Day to Kyle and ALL the pro riders who are also lucky enough to be Dads.
Andrew Nicholson and Mr. Cruise Control. Photo by Thomas Ix.
Zara Phillips did everything she could to steal the Luhmühlen win from Andrew Nicholson. But her beautiful double clear show jumping trip with High Kingdom ultimately wasn’t enough, as Andrew and Mr. Cruise Control also jumped double clear to win the Luhmühlen CCI4* on a 38. Michael Pollard posted on his Facebook page yesterday that he believes Andrew has gone to a new level, “adding a polish to his riding these days that matches the raw talent and athleticism he has always had.” After winning Burghley, Rolex, placing third at Badminton and now winning Luhmühlen, it seems Andrew is on a war path to prove he is indeed the best in the world. William Fox-Pitt took the third and fourth spots with Neuf des Coeurs and Lionheart, respectively, with scores of 47.7 and 48.2. Kevin McNab and Clifton Pinot rounded out the top five on a score of 51.5.
Thirty-three horses moved onto the CCI4* show jumping after the trot up. Andrew Hoy and Rutherglen, who were sitting in fourth place overnight, withdrew before the final phase, as did Constantin Van Rijckevorsel and Goodwins Reef. All other horses passed the final horse inspection, which is impressive considering the toll cross country took yesterday. Rails came down all around the show jumping course, which isn’t surprising considering how grueling Capt. Mark Phillips’ course proved to be. Only nine horse and rider pairs managed to deliver double clear show jumping trips. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter pulled one rail at the middle element of the triple combination toward the end of the course to finish in seventh place on 57.5. Demi jumped really well and looks to have recovered well after the cross country.
Marilyn Little and RF Demeter on the live feed. Terrible screenshot by yours truly.
Even though Michael Jung didn’t have a mount in the CCI4*, he couldn’t go home without a win at Luhmühlen. He jumped a double clear show jumping round earlier this morning with Halunke FBW to win the CIC3*. Dirk Scrade and Hop and Skip finished second and Ingrid Klimke and FRH Escada JS finished third, making it a German sweep. The show jumping course proved much easier for the CIC3* riders, with 18 delivering double clear trips. Thirty-eight horses moved onto the show jumping after four withdrew before the final trot up: Marilyn Little and RF Black Pearl, Sara Algottson-Ostholt and Wega, Bettina Hoy and Designer 10, and Benjamin Winter and Wild Thing Z. Click here for full scores from the CIC3*.
I finally succeeded in getting the live feed to work today, but it only showed a replay of cross country for much of the CCI4* show jumping — including gut-wrenching footage of an emotional Emeric George as P’tite Bomb was examined by the veterinary crew following their fall at fence 12. The horse was ultimately euthanized following the examination. The reporter running the live coverage interviewed numerous people, including two vets who offered analysis on the accident. From what I could tell based on my very rudimentary grasp of German, the vets were saying that accidents are an unfortunate part of the sport, and it’s always a terrible tragedy when a horse goes down on course.
I was also able to see footage of the conditions when Zara Phillips and Marilyn Little were on course yesterday. It looked like a hurricane was rolling in between the strong winds and the driving, sideways rain, making Zara and High Kingdom’s and Marilyn and RF Demeter’s double clear trips even more impressive. The live feed finally turned to show jumping when Peter Thomsen and Horseware’s Cayenne were on course, which unfortunately means I missed watched Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight go. Jolie and Ari pulled two rails and had 8 time penalties, and I know Team Kismet is thrilled to be bringing home a happy and sound horse after the tough cross country yesterday. Go USA. Go eventing.
Jolie Wentworth's Good Knight at Luhmühlen. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
Happy Father’s Day, EN! As is tradition, we’ll be posting a heartfelt tribute to Eventings Dads later in the day. First, we’ll be bringing you a play-by-play of all the action in the finale at Luhmühlen. After a tough day of cross country, two American pairs will represent the U.S. in the show jumping today. Marilyn Little and RF Demeter are in 10th place, while Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight are in 32nd. Andrew Nicholson leads with Mr Cruise Control. Stay tuned for much more from Luhmühlen. Go eventing.
Sunday Video: Wondering what exactly happened on course yesterday at Luhmühlen? Check out EN’s open thread and follow along on John Kyle’s virtual course walk of Capt. Mark Phillips’ course:
ERS-Eventing.com provides riders with an interactive online portal that showcases product information, demonstrations, tutorials and reviews from fellow competitors and top international riders.
Kate Miller, head groom for Jolie Wentworth and Good Knight at Luhmühlen, sent in another blog with photos from Sherry Stewart to update us on Team Ari. Jolie is thrilled to have completed a very tough course and sits in 32nd going into the show jumping tomorrow. Best of luck to Jolie and Ari as they look to complete Luhmühlen. [Kate’s 1st blog] [Kate’s 2nd blog]
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Jolie and Ari into the water at 4a. Photo by Sherry Stewart.
From Kate:
Dressage Day: There was no secret meeting to decide that all the americans should score within 7 points of each other, I promise. Ari was first up at 10 am, but our day started a bit earlier, to make sure we had enough time for all the primping required. We were incredibly pleased with his rideability and relaxation in the ring, and feel we are well on our way to developing his dressage skills, as we work on some of the finer points needed. As always, pictures tell the better story, especially for dressage, so please enjoy.
Cross Country: As has been already reported, the course today did quite a bit of sifting of the standings. Several amazing pairs surprisingly didn’t make it around. Demeter was an absolute rock star for Marilyn, and we are well pleased with Ari. Who knew that two run-outs would be an acceptable score, given how hard the course rode! Ari recovered well, enjoyed his evening walk, and we will see how tomorrow goes.
Unfortunately, Jennie Brannigan and Cambalda suffered a fall at the first water today at Luhmuhlen. Jackie Imholte is grooming for Jennie and has kindly supplied us with updates from the event. It sucks to have to write a sad summary, but many thanks to Jackie for checking in and reporting that Jennie and Ping are safe and sound. We hope they all have a safe trip home, and good luck the rest of the year! [Jackie’s 1st blog] [Jackie’s 2nd blog]
Ping and Jackie enjoying a back scratch!
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From Jackie:
Well today obviously didn’t go according to plan. We’ve just arrived back at the hotel and have finally had a chance to digest the events of the day. We are all so grateful Jennie and Ping are ok from their fall at fence 4a but obviously it is a huge disappointment.
The course proved to be incredibly tough – shuffling around the leader board tremendously. We look forward to cheering on Marilyn and Jolie tomorrow in the show jumping. I am very lucky to be flying home with a happy and healthy horse…. and can say with certainty that everyone has learned so much from the experiences over the last week. Although we are disappointed with the outcome, thankfully Jennie and Ping will be back to fight another day.
Thank you to everyone for their support and well wishes!
Jackie
